Land Rover LRX Concept

[vt_maverick]

The front end looks a LOT like the '11 Ford Explorer!

+1 - And that's not a bad thing at all...

[JHarris1385]

I said this back in May, post #15

[vt_maverick]

Take a look at this, being described as a potential competitor to the Land Rover Evoque. It's a concept called the Mini Countryman Coupe:



http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/09/03/ru...nched-in-2013/

[Stephen Biko]

Its like the clown-car version of the land rover.

[vt_maverick]

I wonder if Mini will ever outgrow that perception...

[Stephen Biko]

Its inherent in the style of the car. Make something more angular with sharper edges and low-slung and it wouldn't be an issue, but a small car with the sacrifices necessary to achieve that kind of style might not be very drivable either.

[RallyDude]

I'm guessing these are unibody AWD vehicles? It seems like a better looking Subaru, but no serious wheeling?

[vt_maverick]

Its inherent in the style of the car. Make something more angular with sharper edges and low-slung and it wouldn't be an issue, but a small car with the sacrifices necessary to achieve that kind of style might not be very drivable either.

Don't know if you've driven a Mini, but they are a blast to drive. With the wheels pushed out to the corners you feel like you're driving a go-cart, and the clutch travel in the 6-speed is so short it's like pushing a button. This is definitely not your dad's Mini. Interestingly the reviews say that the new Countryman actually sacrifices some of that sporty performance to add room.

I'm guessing these are unibody AWD vehicles? It seems like a better looking Subaru, but no serious wheeling?

Yep, no serious offroading here, especially with how low it will likely be to the ground. Not sure how the LRX would compare in terms of ride height and offroad capability.

[Stephen Biko]

Don't know if you've driven a Mini, but they are a blast to drive. With the wheels pushed out to the corners you feel like you're driving a go-cart, and the clutch travel in the 6-speed is so short it's like pushing a button. This is definitely not your dad's Mini. Interestingly the reviews say that the new Countryman actually sacrifices some of that sporty performance to add room.

That's my point - if they were to make the mini stylish enough to lose the clown-car looks, they might well have to sacrifice drivability in the process.

[lasturbo]

We can't wait till next October 2011 to get it at our dealership. The hype is good and will see it at the LA Auto Show next month. I saw the LRX concept car in New York a few years ago and they did a good job in keeping with the conceptual design.

[Chopper]

It was my understanding that the Evoque was NOT an off-road vehicle and that the base version was in fact 2 wheel drive. I know it's about the same size as a Mini. ****I like it. I think it's a handsome vehicle.....(but likely a hunk o not very reliable crap) Land Rover is nothing if not consistant

[JHarris1385]

Motor Trend lists as 2wd only.

[vt_maverick]

Multiple sources (Autoweek, MSN Autos, Car and Driver, Automobile Magazine, Inside Line, etc.) all say the US will get both a 2WD and 4WD/AWD version.

Here's one: LandRover's Press Release (Dated 22 Sep 10)

"The Evoque will be the first Range Rover to offer customers a choice between a full-time four-wheel-drive system, which delivers outstanding performance and traction on all surfaces, and an even lower carbon, front-wheel-drive option for further enhanced fuel economy."

[Riff Raff]

Sorry there VT; but 100% of all Range Rover - EVOQUE vehicles exported to the USA will only be AWD/4WD, as the 2WD version will NOT be available for sale in the USA. Instead of a traditional transfer case shift lever, there is Push-Button "Terrain Type" functions (i.e. Normal Mode push-button; Gravel/Snow push-button; Mud/Ruts push-button; Sand push-button).

Hat's off to Range Rover for making a cool lookin' 2-Door Coupe (and available 4-door) in the new EVOQUE. Although the price of admission is very expensive!!!


http://www.landrover.com/us/en/rr/range-rover-evoque/

[vt_maverick]

Nice work Riff, you criticized a post that was made 9 months before the Evoque was actually available to "Build" on Land Rover's website. Those sources were all that was available at the time, and they all pointed to a 2WD US model. But I guess you're right.